Big 12 Imposes $100,000 Fine on Texas Tech for Tortilla Tossing

Texas Tech University faces a significant financial penalty from the Big 12 Conference due to a longstanding tradition of fans throwing tortillas onto the field during football games. Athletic director Kirby Hocutt announced on March 15, 2024, that the university will incur a fine of $100,000 if this behavior persists. Hocutt shared the news during a conference call with students, detailing that the conference’s commissioner, Brett Yormark, issued a memo earlier in the week outlining updated policies regarding objects thrown onto the field.

According to Hocutt, the new regulations stipulate that the first instance of fans throwing items will result in a warning. If the behavior continues, a 15-yard penalty will be assessed during the game, along with the hefty fine. This policy applies not only to the field but also the surrounding “playing enclosure.” Hocutt emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “The stakes just got a lot higher, a lot quicker on Saturday afternoons.”

The athletic director urged fans to reconsider their actions, highlighting the potential consequences. “So you get one chance, opening kickoff, tortillas come out, it’s a warning. That second time… if people keep throwing tortillas… that could cost us 15 yards right there and a $100,000 fine. Guys, that’s a big financial penalty that’s associated as we go forward,” Hocutt explained.

This enforcement comes after Texas Tech and the University of Kansas were fined $25,000 each for an unrelated incident involving their head coaches following a game. The Red Raiders have previously faced scrutiny for fans throwing objects, prompting the Big 12’s athletic directors to vote 15-to-1 in favor of solidifying the game management policy in August.

Hocutt took to social media to address the change, encouraging fans to adapt their traditions while still maintaining their spirit. “Red Raiders, the rules can change. But our tradition will not. How about the @UnitedWestTexas Opening Kickoff Tortilla Launch?” he suggested.

Texas Tech is set to play against Arizona State this Saturday, with their next home game scheduled for October 25 against Oklahoma State. The university is now faced with the challenge of balancing fan traditions with compliance to conference regulations as they navigate the upcoming season.